‘Vaccine passports’ erode our freedoms

WE are delighted to learn in the news this morning that the Government is introducing legislation to make it illegal to obstruct free speech.

This move underlines the fundamental rights of the individual to express views that others may disagree with.

However, talk about the creation of “vaccine passports” is threatening to go against this principle.

If this idea goes forward, it will amount to the creation of a “Vaccine/ID Card”.

Apparently this will enable holders to enjoy the freedoms which we all value so much. But will these now include, as conditional “freedoms”, the ability to enter a pub or restaurant, a theatre or place of recreation, and, most significantly of all, shops?

In other words, will those who are not vaccinated forfeit these most basic rights, of freedom of movement and participation in many of the activities of normal life, we have always taken for granted?

Will those who refuse a vaccination now be able to be refused entry to supermarkets, to buy food?

The Government seems to be passing the onus on to shops and businesses under the banner of “Health and Safety/Insurance”, which is underhand.

This is not freedom, it is enforcement by stealth.

At the Council of Europe recently the following statement was issued: “Resolution 2361 (2021) Covid-19 vaccines: ethical, legal and practical considerations. With respect to ensuring high vaccine uptake: ensure that no one is discriminated against for not having been vaccinated, due to possible health risks or not wanting to be vaccinated.”

As an argument against those who are calling us vaccine refusers “selfish”, we would like to ask the obvious question.

Why would those who have been vaccinated be concerned about the presence of those who have not?

They are protected, so what’s the problem?

And those of us who have chosen not to have the vaccine are perfectly well aware that we are relying on our existing immune systems.

Along with “free speech”, the right to exemption from vaccination must now be enshrined in law.

Ian Phillips Harbertonford, Devon